Carrie White, a quiet seventeen-year-old girl is a social outcast because of her strange behavior, shy reputation, and her physical appearance (skin, weight, hair, etc.) She is constantly being bullied by her peers and has been bullied ever since she had entered the Chamberlain school system in Maine. Carrie has nowhere to be accepted, not even at home with her mother, Margaret White, also referred to as Momma. Carrie’s bizarre behavior at school gets her bullied, and her religious-crazy mother beats her and locks her in closets to pray for hours, and tells Carrie that she should be ashamed of every aspect of her womanhood, including menstruation. This is where we get introduced to Carrie herself. Young Carrie White starts her period one day during P.E. , completely horrified and under the impression that she is bleeding to death. Her fellow classmates throw sanitary napkins at her yelling comments like “Plug it up!” and “PER-iod” at poor Carrie, making the situation that much worse. Carrie is sent home early to recover from her traumatic experience. When Momma finds out about her daughter’s period, Carrie is scolded and forced to pray to God in ‘the closet’ for the sin her body has committed. 

 In the end, Sue Snell (one of Carrie’s classmates who pitied her), had set Carrie up to go to prom with her boyfriend, Tommy Ross, so Carrie would be able to have a fun night and not have to deal with her lack of a high social status. Even this wasn’t enough, for prom night was a malicious and bloody disaster, leaving hundreds of people dead and a once small but lively town left in ruins. No one would ever quite recover. While Carrie is a completely fictional novel, its theme shouldn’t be ignored. Carrie’s plot is wild, unrealistic, and scarily horrifying, and those who read the book can get a lot out of it. There is both a historical and social significance behind this horror fiction, and it’s not hard to tell what they are.

Bullying is a huge issue in schools around the world and it still happens today. Emotional and physical cruelty towards another person is never right and should be acted on at all costs before it’s too late; that’s what Stephen King was trying to portray in Carrie. Carrie White was just another teenage girl living in a small town; she wasn’t that much different aside from her horrific home life and her telekinetic powers she had been born with (Carrie). She craved the acceptance of her peers, but was denied every time. Throughout Carrie, especially in the beginning, this denial is very prominent. “In fact, King often portrays Carrie in an animalistic fashion to accentuate the horror of the students’ bullying of one so vulnerable (Mahoney 230).” This is very true and there are many examples of this cruelty all throughout the novel.  A lot of times, when Carrie is asked a question, she will respond with a grunt of “Ohuh?” as a response, and she even makes animal-like noises like braying and gobbling; that definitely got King’s point across. These brutal attacks on young Carrie continue both in the story and within the book’s tone, but it’s obvious that she isn’t just some sickening, corpulent girl. She has aspects of normality in her life; it’s simply distorted by her horrendous home life. “…She could fix her hair. Buy Pantyhose and blue and green tights. Make little skirts and dresses from Butterick and Simplicity patterns. She could be, could be, could be—Alive (King 42).” Carrie knows that she has the potential to be like other girls her age, but knowing that her mother is so religiously insane, she had no hopes of normalcy. It just couldn’t happen. And that’s what’s really sad about the whole aspect of bullying really; it’s judgment. They didn’t know much about her life or how she lived, and she was socially exiled and abused because of their assumptions. It isn’t right, and it will never be right. The mental impact the bullying had on Carrie got to the extent of death (for her and others), and this also applies in real life. “As King leads us toward the apocalyptic climax, he begins to warn about the dangers of intolerance. He seems to suggest an imminent judgment day for those who victimize outsiders and misfits (Mahoney 230).” Some people are pushed to extremes when they feel like they are useless and have nowhere to go. In Carrie, there is indeed a judgment day, and a killer one at that. But the cruelty of the bullying in Carrie had an underlying layer to it due to a major movement during the 1970’s.

1970’s America: The Vietnam war was winding down and coming to an end, Americans are petitioning for peace, and technology is on the rise again. The 1970’s was a time of major change for the United States, and it’s one of these major changes that ties into the theme of Carrie.  The women’s rights movement of 1970 is the historical significance in Carrie, and though it isn’t as prominent as the bullying theme, it has a large part in how the book was written and what each of the characters went though.  The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it so employers could no longer deny people jobs based on an individual’s religion, gender, or ethnicity. Seven years after that, the Supreme Court agreed that treating people unequally because of sex violated the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (Moss and Wilson 51). Women now had won a few legal battles and had the morale to continue the fight for equal rights, trying to break the social and legal barricade so they would be seen as something more than an object and house care-taker. During the early 1970’s, the Equal Rights Amendment was being argued on whether to be passed or not. The women fought to get this law passed by doing protests, organizing feminist theater groups, and even making day-cares so mothers would be able to work and get out of the house. Also, when abortion was made legal in 1973, it gave women the power to do what they wanted with their own body (Moss and Wilson 51). These activists were fighting with all they had to lose their label that history had cursed them with: being an object. In Carrie, King weaves characteristics of the women’s rights movement throughout the novel. One of the features of the women’s rights movement was how women nationwide wanted to break away from the object label that they’ve carried with them for centuries, and sometimes it’s still battled even today. 

Carrie had to grow up knowing that she would never be a beautiful and the media had portrayed other women, much like the earlier example of her comparing the models in Seventeen Magazine to her own appearance. Also, one of the characters of the novel, Chris Hargensen, was in a relationship where her boyfriend, Billy Nolan, was very rude to her and was only with her for her sexual purposes. Another example is how Sue Snell , the girl that took pity on Carrie and made prom possible for her, was with Tommy Ross, her boyfriend, and though he was a decent guy, she felt like she was obligated to have sex with him because of her battles with women’s complicated expectations in society. “There were dark things lumbering around their warm circle of light. The idea that she had let him F*ck her (do you have to say it that way yes this time i do) simply because he was Popular, for instance” (King 47). Social structure and how women fit into that status was seen as life or death to the women of this time, and even today. The women’s rights movement definitely impacted the Carrie’s theme and what the readers thought while reading the book.

Some critics claim that Carrie is a dated work, but really, it’s only dated in terms of the supernatural (Mahoney 231). There is a lot of meaning and history behind the horror-filled words Stephen King has scrawled across the pages of his very first published book. And to think, if his wife (Tabitha) had never taken the story out of the garbage can, that we would have never been exposed to King’s raw, powerful writing. Sure, Carrie is a fictional work, but his themes apply to society today just as well as it did back in the 1970’s. Bullying and equality towards women have been a problem for some time now, and issues with these things still occur. But those who read Carrie can learn something from the book that started the career of the world’s most famous horror writer. Bullying someone is always wrong, and lives can be in danger in the most extreme cases. In Carrie, hundreds of people died as well as Carrie, and though this is a bit unrealistic, bullying can lead to death if someone feels the need to take the life of someone else or themselves (Much like the Columbine school shooting on April 20th, 1999. The only difference being that Columbine was a true horror story.). The women’s rights movement has also changed how America works and made it so women are no longer discriminated for being a woman. This aspect in Carrie is more subtle but still makes itself clear from time to time. Carrie felt bad about herself because of the expectations she was expected to uphold to be an ideal American teenage girl; Sue felt like she had to have sex to maintain her social status, and Chris Hargensen (the girl who started it all) was used for her body and seen as nothing but an object. It may be difficult to imagine that these things could have happened some day, well, to some extent at least, but it probably did (aside from the supernatural and bloody content). Carrie’s hardships seem to hit the reader hard though, and that’s what keeps the reader engaged. “Carrie’s struggle strikes a painful chord in each reader; indeed, [Stephen] King seems to ask, don’t we all feel a part of Carrie, the misfit, the outsider (Mahoney 230)?”

Citation

Augustyn, Adam and others. American Literature From 1945 Through Today. Eds. The 

Britannica Guide to World Literature. New York: Britannica Encyclopedia Publishing: 2011. Print.

“Carrie.” American Decades Primary Sources. Ed. Cynthia Rose. Vol. 8: 1970-1979. Detroit:

 Gale, 2004. 37-41. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 May 2012.

.

King, Stephen. Carrie. New York, NY, Pocket Book, 1974. Book.

Mahoney, Rita. “Carrie.” The Facts on File Companion to the American Novel. 2006 ed.

Moss, Joyce, and George Wilson. “Carrie by Stephen King.” Literature and its Times: Profiles of

300 Notable Literary Works and the Historical Events That Influenced Them. Vol. 5. Detroit: Gale, 1997. 46-52. Print.

I mean, try looking at the different phases of our life. As an infant, all we want is to eat, poo and sleep. As long as someone satisfied our basic needs, we are contented. As we grow older, the things that are on our mind will be food, games and studies. We all know that we need to study to have a good future and so, we spend most of our time studying, trying to get the best results. Of course, we do have time to relax and enjoy.

After this, we step into another phase, working life. Working and working and MORE working. What is the purpose? Money. We need money to satisfy our basic needs. We plan for the future, we gain more skill sets, we worry about almost everything, etc. Along the way in our life, we will meet new people. If we are lucky enough, we manage to find a lifetime partner among them. And then the same cycle repeats, we plan for the future, we worry about the future, we have goals together, etc.

At the end of the day, what do we get? Death. This is the outcome of life. We were given life just to go through the journey and then life is taken away. But why? Why do we have to go through this journey? I know, according to religion beliefs, people believe that they are on this earth for a certain reason. I mean, I do believe that too, but I cannot seem to understand why? With religion beliefs aside, is there an answer to all these? Why is there life? What is life for? Why is a life cycle requires? Who was the one who set the rules in life?

Just some thoughts going through my mind and I thought of sharing it. Just find that certain things in life are so mysterious and I cannot seem to find an answer to them. Seems like there isn’t even an answer for them too. Well, just expressing my thoughts here, so, feel free to express your thoughts too.

During early days, science and technology were separated from each other. Science belonged to philosophers while technology belonged to the tanners, millers, and silversmiths.

In the thirteenth century, science and technology became more closely related. We owe this to Roger Bacon (1214-1294). He designed experiments to confirm scientific theories. This led to a program of reforms in which new areas of scientific studies were opened in the universities of the west. These scientific studies brought together science and technology.

In the nineteenth century, many inventors based their inventions on the works of scientists. Examples are:

1.       Thomas Edison (1847-1931), the inventor of the electric lamp, based his invention on what Michael Faraday (1791-1867) and Joseph Henry (1797-1878) discovered about electricity.

2.       Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922), the inventor of the telephone, based his invention on what Herman Von Helmholtz (1821-1894) discovered about waves.

3.       Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937), the inventor of the wireless telegraph, based his invention on what Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894) and James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) discovered about electromagnetism.

Today, humanity is increasingly dependent on science and technology to meet its material needs.

Most of the water we use for drinking has been scientifically treated and purified. We use electric appliances at home and in our offices. We use machines that simplify the tasks of daily living. Better clothing is available because science and technology have provided better fabrics and improved methods of textile manufacture. Technology has also made possible the development of better soaps and cleaners to clean our clothes, more nourishing food for our bodies, better materials for building homes, and more effective drugs to cure or prevent diseases.

Other far-reaching developments may accompany the advancement of technology. Examples are language-translation machines that will bring the goal of worldwide communication a step closer; increased success in the transplant of natural vital organs from one person’s body to another; and probably the most dramatic of them all, the establishment of a manned spacecraft on the moon. It is possible what within your lifetime, you may see the partial control of the weather; the complete elimination or control of viral and bacterial diseases; the correction of hereditary defects; and the laboratory creation of primitive forms of artificial life.

Soon many of you will receive computer-based instruction that permits a “conversation” between you and the computer programming, decision theory, and systems analysis more meaningful. We now live in a dynamic age of satellite-relayed television, electromechanical “brains”, guided missiles, and miracle drugs. Each of these far-reaching developments will affect our daily lives. A study of the products of science and a fuller understanding of the role they play in modern society is important.

Technology has helped improved our lives. Through technology we have better shelter and clothing, increased food production, and a higher standard of living. In the field of agriculture, technology has helped improved food production and preservation.

Technology can also have harmful effects. The outcome of technology should be considered and carefully studied to determine its effects on man and society. For instance, gases produced by cars and factories may pollute the air and produce harmful effects. Technology should be used with caution. It should be used to produced new products and develop new methods, which could help many people lead healthy lives. But the harmful effects of technology must be carefully weighed and prevented.

You need to understand that both sets of methods can be delivered in about the same amount of time. They both are comparably close. But I think in today’s age the Internet wins. I can look up something faster on a cell phone or a computer then you can tell someone that is right next to you.

Any information – digital or otherwise – can be transferred, at maximum, at the speed of light in a vacuum – about 300,000 km/sec. When information travels through a copper cable, or an optic fiber, it will typically travel at about 2/3 the speed of light in a vacuum

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_fast_can_digital_information_travel#ixzz1vwXPd9×6

300,000/km/sec and 2/3 the speed of light!! Wow that is fast information traveling. Can you words bring across information that fast?

The word of mouth travels only in the given information or need for it. The Internet travels regardless of these factors. The word of mouth is more so of a need, your favorite coffee spot, gym or local restaurant. Word of mouth is more information regarding facts, who, what where, when why and how.

So in my opinion the internet travels faster then the word of mouth.

It seems to me that most people are insincere. I infer rather decidedly as to the subject. Just a few years prior I had an epiphany. In my realization, I found that things are not always what they appear to be. As I was prone to think all smiling faces were happy ones. I know its a little naive right? But who said you could not be an optimist? The word is still relevant. However, my previous encounters with people has enlightened me to the contrary Though I am not a cynic in the least, I do believe there is a superficial side to many. I have become keen in determining what is supercilious and unreal. What do I mean by this? Of the observations made I find that most individuals are fictitious in nature. You know the kind that hides behind a facade in public. It is not difficult to discover who they are. The places vary in which they are accustomed to living.

There is no particular ethnic group or race stereotyped. They emerge from all lifestyles, actors of the people. There are three classes that exist. Often you will encounter those of the gossiping sort. These are the ones maliciously talking about someone else. It is no surprise that they delight in such frivolity. Jealousy is the root cause for their prattle. Because another person has material possessions or potential to succeed they become envious. It is amazing what furtive actions they will take to conceal their false reports. The pretense of friendliness is what the gossipers usually display. They invite the victim of malignant slander to participate in the same idleness against another. Unwittingly, the newcomer takes part in groundless rumors, unaware that he was once the subject of conversation.

Furthermore, the one now disdained was formerly among the gossipers. I guess the cliché still holds true, “Misery loves company”. Secondly, there is an alternative group of individuals. Their aim is to keep up with the “Jones”. I laugh at such persons as these. They live above their means for a taste of popularity; there is ever a thirst for ambitious prestige. Preoccupied with the finer things of life, they steep themselves in fashion. Moreover, these self-lovers buy expensive vehicles for outward display. In addition houses go up for the novelty of the feeling. There is no prolonged time before the veneer begins to break. The momentary security starts to fade as repossession, lack of currency, and foreclosure becomes eminent. Finally, there is an incessant worry of prying eyes.

At last, the third class of individuals I consider to be the most absurd. They enjoy when others envy them for their favorable circumstances. Although scheming their way to success, they think of themselves as honest. Rarely speaking of the clandestine motives or lies misconstrued into necessity, they boast on only what they have. They are jealous also, except on noticing what others may have, all too plainly become persistent in their efforts to outdo the competition. In accumulating more values, they seek to veil their true sentiments.
When jealousy rears its ugly head this gratifies their ego. I believe the ancient Greeks had
a word for those persons with such erroneous behavior, hypocrites! I wonder if the term still
applies today?

Do we value Human life?

Are the lines if right and wrong clearly defined?

Human Being’s differ from other forms of life.

They build fires and cook their food.

They clothe themselves (sometimes)

They worship God or something else like,

a belief or theory or even another person.

They try and communicate in many ways.

Verbal, written and actions.

Human beings have a personhood and rights.

But today an human embryo,

only has as many rights as society allows.

Those that believe in God’s laws know a embryo,

is a baby and a person with rights.

Other’s believe a embryo is a fetus,

and can be disposed of at the convenience of another.

Those of you that put your faith in society,

or a complex social structure rather then faith in God.

Beware because the day may come where society has no need of you.

Society on the whole could decide everyone over 65 is a burden.

Why not do away with them all, Euthanasia for all Seniors.

This could never happen you say, we murder our babies why not?

Life is life, human is human,no one is more worthy then another.

Only criminals that seek to hurt others should ever be denied,

the priviledges we have a God given right to.

I choose a Higher law when people forget morality.

For men who cheat, the phrase “boys will be boys” is applied, and for those who manage to not cheat, well they’re congratulated like a puppy who is finally house-trained. Do men not find this practice at all condescending? And also, if you are one of those men who revel in being given permission by society to be as base a human being as possible, how do you know that what you’re doing is just human nature, or societal conditioning instead?

There are no theories that all women cannot give in to any naked man standing in front of them. Does this mean that in reality more is expected from women, morally and intellectually? Why don’t men demand the same level of respect? For centuries they supposedly were above females, and the promiscuity of men was a power tool, rather than what it is now, just sad. It’s ironic that it has come full circle on them, a practice that served them in the past merely makes men little boys with big toys these days. Boys to be looked down upon by the more evolved females. Why men stand for this degradation, I don’t know.

Are men REALLY so primitive that they cannot think for themselves? That they are always controlled by their sex drive? I would think that many intelligent men find this societal theory as patronising as discrimination was towards women. 

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